Fota House and Gardens

The 18th century Fota House was built and altered in various stages until the end of the 19th century. During the latter part of the last century, the house fell into some disrepair - culminating in the collapse of a ceiling. This closed the house to the public for some time. It was restored using EU, Irish government and private funding, prior to reopening in early 2002. The house is a magnificent building, with over 70 rooms.

Fota Gardens are in the grounds of the house. They are highly acclaimed, consisting of a structured arboretum, walled garden and terraces. Many rare and exotic shrubs and trees exist, along with an extensive rose garden. Specimens were collected from all over the world and added to the garden up until the 1970s. At this time the garden passed out of private ownership, along with the house, into the hands of University College Cork. Work continued to be carried out by the college on a large scale on the now established arboretum and woodlands. In 1996 the State were given control of the house and gardens. It is now administered by the heritage service, Dúchas, part of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.